Barbara Berkenpas was born October 3rd, 1947 on the family farm at Ashton Iowa the child of Clarence Bangert and Luella Hickman. She grew up and began her education at Ashton schools before continuing in Sibley, IA where she graduated in 1965. Barb later attended the University of South Dakota School of Law where she received her Juris Doctor degree in 1997. She was united in marriage to Carl Berkenpas on October 20th, 1968 at the Ashton Presbyterian Church in Ashton. They made their home on the family farm near Ashton. She was a stay at home mom while her kids were growing up, then went back to school as a non-traditional student. After law school she started an E-rate Consulting business with her daughter. Barb enjoyed spending time with family, was a devoted wife and Mimi. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Barb made an impression on nearly everyone she met. She was incredibly perceptive, intelligent, compassionate and generous (usually anonymously.) She would tenaciously advocate for what she believed in but still respected those whose opinions differed from hers. She loved her family fiercely and instilled in us the value of family and loyalty. She quietly fought a battle with Hodgkins Lymphoma because she didn't want to draw attention to herself or be fussed over. She kicked cancer's butt only to ultimately suffer lung failure due to progressive damage from the chemo. We learned of ways mom touched people's lives that we were never aware of before. We are so blessed by the outpouring of prayers and support. Although our prayers for healing were not answered, she passed peacefully and with dignity. She was an amazing example of what a mom and wife should be. Barb was wise beyond measure. She wasn’t just a parent to Sean and I but to lots of our friends along the way too. (Mama Berk) and she was always up for fun or a call in the middle of the night if someone needed a ride - or anything. She was the best mom and Mimi we could have ever asked for. Barb belonged to Iowa Bar Association, South Dakota Bar Association, Nebraska Bar Association, E-MPA, and the Order of the Eastern Star.
She was survived by Carl Berkenpas of Ashton, IA; Sean Berkenpas, his wife Tara and their three sons Jack, Oliver and Eli of Sioux Center, IA; Erin Berkenpas Johnson and her daughter Paige of Knoxville IA; sister, Mary Lynn Scott and her husband Gary of LeSueur MN; and other extended family members.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Luella (Hickman) Bangert.